Around Town: Christmas around the world

Old World Village held the 11th annual International Celebration of Christmas and live Nativity play on Dec. 2.

The money raised from proceeds and donations will benefit World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization.

Bell choir "Beach City Bells" from the Newport Beach stake of the LDS Church performed and then La Posada was celebrated with guitar music and vocalists from St. Jude Thaddeus Old Catholic Church.

The Rev. Kristina Hine of the Old World Community Church performed the lighting of the Advent Wreath and explained the significance of the German, Austrian and Swiss tradition.

To add to the splendor of the live Nativity play, 30 angels from Greater Grace Church of Deliverance, Joshua Angel Ministries and the Unification Church sang "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful." The play was narrated by Dr. Nicholas Benson, academic dean of Christian Promise University.

It got upbeat from there when the fast-moving "Hanukkah Dance" was performed by dancers from the Temple Aviv Judea/Messianic Congregation.

The international flavors continued with the Christmas customs of the Samoan Islands performed by the Westminster Samoan Assembly of God and the dances of Kenya by the Kenyan Dance Troupe accompanied vocally by Martha Semeiyan of Lifeline Community Fellowship.

The Rev. Bobby Schuller of The Tree of Life Community reminded the audience not to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas and not to get lost in the giving and receiving of gifts.

According to the news release, Susan Munsell, the production manager of the International Celebration of Christmas/Nativity Play and co-chair of the Southern Cal American Clergy Leadership Conference and many volunteers deserve thanks for the event at Old World Village.

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NOTABLE

Go With Jo Travel owner honored

Good job, Jo Andrews, owner of Go With Jo Travel, Inc., for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Food Service Executives Assn.

Andrews was recognized for her support and contribution to the organization's student program. Andrews is president of the Golden West College Patrons and was presented with the award at their monthly luncheon.

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FUNDRAISER

Laser tag and money for the band

Marina High School's band will have a fundraiser at Endless Food and Fun from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15.

The venue includes an art laser tag arena, an arcade and a restaurant. Mentioning Marina High School Band will send 15% of the proceeds their way. Endless Food and Fun is at 7227 Edinger Ave. Information, call (714) 377-7671 or visit http://www.endlessfoodandfun.com.